The owners of Aria Tuscan Grill (next door) are the team behind the new project.

Cicchetti plans to open in June. It will seat 81 customers at cocktail tables with chairs, settees and banquettes, as well as 17 at a cool central bar. The goal is to have the same vibe as a classic Venetian wine bar.

“I’m most excited to be working with such a great team like Pierre Bader and Briana Cohen to help put together another amazing cocktail program for the city of Charlotte,” Bob Peters told me. He’s been hired by Chicchetti as a cocktail consultant.

“I’ve enjoyed this concept when traveling,” explained Pierre Bader of Sonoma Restaurant Group, “and believe it will be a welcome addition and fun option in the local bar and dining scene. The experience here could range from after-work or pre-dinner bites and drinks, to a leisurely meal of small Italian dishes over wine with friends or a late evening nightcap and snacks.”

“The design of the new Cicchetti space fuses Old-World Italian with clean modern elements to bring a more traditional design into the modern age,” said designer Cicley Sullivan, “Bold patterns, warm woods and metals, along with soft lighting and fabrics, provide warmth and character in the glass-enclosed, two-story space.”

Here’s a few of the noteworthy dishes that you’ll find on Cicchetti’s menu:

Pricing: Expect appetizers around $8, sandwiches around $12 and larger dishes around $18.

Don’t sleep on the wine retail at Chicchetti

“The shining star will be our impressive wine selection, priced at retail to go, or to be plucked from the shelf and enjoyed in-house for a small corkage fee,” said Bader. “We’ll also offer a full bar, from which you can order wine by the glass or bottle, a variety of beers on tap, or craft cocktails curated by local mixologist Bob Peters. These will include variations on classic Italian offerings like the Negroni and Venice’s own Spritz and Bellini.”

In terms of retail selection, expect a focus on Italian wines as well as other global selections. Wine can be purchased by the bottle or case (delivery in Uptown is available as well).

“Operations Manager and Wine Director Briana Cohen has been with our company for 22 years, and she’s developed into one of the foremost authorities on wine in this region, particularly of Italian producers,” stated Bader. “Her knowledge and passion will show in every aspect of Cicchetti’s wine program. This will be an impressive and memorable wine bar experience.”